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What is the meaning of the title? In what way is Gatsby great?
The meaning of the title, is exactly what the title states, The Great Gatsby , it titles shows what this novel is going to be about, Gatsby, and his greatness. Gatsby's greatness comes from his willingness to never back down or quit, especially when it looks like he will not win. His determination to win over Daisy's heart again, even though she is married to Tom. The fact that he continued to work hard, in the military, at Oxford and in his business, all to prove himself to Daisy that he is worth her love and admiration. Gatsby is great by very many definitions and expressions of affection, he is the epitome of a loving man should is and someone who Nick and Tom can only strive to become.


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What part of his past is Gatsby trying to recapture? Is he successful? Is there a person, feeling, or event in your past
that you'd want to revisit?

Gatsby is trying to recover the part of his past, where he is involed with the love of his life, Daisy. Sadly, success was never an outcome, only failure came from his attemp. He desperately tries to win her love back, by drawing attention to himself, through extravagent parties and leaving his lights on all night, within his mansion. However, he cannot release her from Tom's grasp, and not even his attemp to reveal his love for her in front of everyone and Tom will bring forth the result he wishes. In my past, I do not regret anything, nor would I want to go back and change what has happened, or revisit any event. Everything happens for a reason and I would not be the person I am today if these events were different; thus revisiting them is living in the past and holding on, instead of moving on.

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What is Nick Carraway's role in the novel? Consider Nick's father's advice in chapter one: "Whenever you feel like
criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." Does
telling the story from Nick's point of view make it more believable?

Nick Carraway's role in this novel is the mediator, the one person who is supposed to assess the actions of the other charaters and deliver an unbiast explanation and witness. However, this is just a theory, as he may supposed to be the devil's advocate when telling the stories, through his point of view, of each character; he brings forth a rather skewed perception; a biast view about Tom, Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan. Even though Nick may have a different view of others, since he is not as wealthy, it is thought to be believable. Yet, for the same reason, it cannot be believed, therefore, just because he seems different on the outside, based on his belongings, does not justify his view. Obviously, he has come from some sort of privilage, so he is relatable on some level, but can also show dislike towards each character. Regardless, of what his dad told him, he is still going to act and believe the way he wants. His father may be correct, but we vastly listen to our parent's advice, even if we know it is for our own good.
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What is the American Dream? How does Gatsby represent this dream?

The American dream can be defined in several aspects, based on the individual. To some the Americans, dream is about achieving your life goals and aspirations, through happiness and love. To others, the dream is about money and success, to gain wealth and power. There are many different perceptions of the American dream that is a representation of our personalities. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald shows these different perceptions through his characters, such as Gatsby. He represents his dream through emotion and wealth gain. His dream is to be reunited with Daisy, marry her and live happily together, for the rest of their lives. To reach this dream of his, he goes through several series, to prove his love and worth for her; like when he goes off to war, and the Oxford, to eventually grow and open a business to attain the wealth she desires. Ultimately, love is the main drive for his dream and it is how he decides to represent it to Nick, and Jordan and the others in or throughout his life.
Does the novel praise or condemn Gatsby's dream?

The novel definitely condemns Gatsby's dream, by not allowing him to fully achieve it, regardless of his difficult journey. He tries so hard to get close to Daisy again and remove her from Tom's grasp, but sadly fails in the end, because she never leaves Tom and Gatsby dies in the end. The whole journey of his life was for her and he cannot even live to see how it ends. In a way he is condemned for sacrificing his life and wasting away years of his life for a woman who does not even believe he is worth it anymore. I believe his punishment for his actions are worse than his death, because he was not able to be with the one he loves, and has to watch her and Tom together, wherever he may be.


Has the American dream changed since Gatsby's time?

The American dream has not really changed over the past few decades. It still has the same basic ideas and format, that orginates around the time period, whether it is the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s or even '10s. The dream is moreso the same, many people are continuing to strive for a better future and life for themselves or their families. Success, love, education, survival, and failure are all factors that define each of our dreams; like today a success of getting out of the ghetto and becoming a writer, or Gatsby's failure of not being able to be with Daisy, after all his successes of wealth and fortune.Ultimately, the dream has not changed beacuse we are continuing to push our boundaries to achieve what we want out of life and wish to achieve for our families. I do not think that the dream will ever change, and if it does, it really is no longer the American dream, because the foundation is the reason for it all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, through The Great Gatsby, I have learned more about the American dream and what defines us through our successes and failures. A lot of circumstances revolve around love, as a key factor, whether it be for a family, friend or soulmate; love gives us the dream and the strength and determination, to follow through. However, the most important lesson I have learned is that you cannot stay living in the past because it will only set you back, no matter what you have accomplished along the way. Life is about moving forward, not holding on to what is done and can never be revisited; you must keep pushing ahead, even if it is like you lost so much along the way.


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Works Cited:
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 2004. Print